After School Mentoring
The Town
of Colonie Youth Bureau, in conjunction with Shaker Junior High School,
offers an after school mentoring program for 8th grade students during
the academic year. Students are referred by their guidance counselor and
work with Shaker Jr. High School teachers and the Colonie Youth Bureau
staff, Monday through Thursday, from 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. In addition
to academic work, students and staff participate in recreational activities
and off-campus field trips.
The program is a voluntary agreement between the FOCUS program, the student,
and the student's parent/Guardian. Students must be cooperative within
the program and attend regularly. Parents/Guardians support student involvement
and attend several evening workshops throughout the school year.
While participating in the FOCUS program, students become motivated to
succeed in school. They become independent learners through their acquisition
of study skills and positive social experiences.
Every academic year, 32 students participate in this mentoring program.
The FOCUS program has been used as a model for other school districts
in New York State.